Waste data reports
What waste data does SEPA report?
SEPA reports a wide range of waste management data for a variety
of statutory purposes. Much of these data are published in the
Waste Data Digest. Data are reported on specific waste types, such
as Local Authority Collected Municipal Waste (LACMW), hazardous,
and commercial and industrial wastes and by waste management
method.
How are the data collected?
Data on LACMW waste are collected using WasteDataFlow - an
online reporting system used by local authorities.
Statutory returns from licensed/permitted waste management
facilities provide much of the data for reporting, using standard
return forms that are submitted to SEPA by operators on a quarterly
basis. Further information is available on the licensed-permitted
site data returns page.
Data on the type, quantity and geographical origin of waste
handled by certain exempt activities are gathered annually by SEPA.
Further information is available on the exempt activity data
returns page.
Waste generated by businesses is currently estimated by carrying
out national surveys. The quantity of commercial and industrial
waste treated and/or disposed of is derived from the statutory
returns described above. Some commercial and industrial waste
arisings, such as those from the agriculture, fishing and forestry
sectors, are estimated using data models. Further information is
available in the commercial and industrial waste pages.
What does SEPA use the data for?
SEPA uses the data for a wide range of purposes, including:
- determining whether national and European targets for recycling
and composting and landfill have been met;
- informing waste management planning and policy decisions;
- reporting under the European Union Waste Statistics
Regulations;
- producing the Waste Data Digest;
- providing data for other national and European reporting
obligations.
How are the data presented?
The data are presented in Excel, Word and PDF formats in order
to make them as accessible as possible.